Chapter 1

Leo looked around the camp, sighing to himself. The party was one of the best the camp had ever thrown. A big banner over the amphitheater announced a "Welcome Home Demigods!" The demigods referred to, of course, were the seven of prophecy. They had defeated Gaea, rescued Percy and Annabeth, and closed the doors. And Leo still felt miserable. He had been pondering this for a while. It was a relief not to have the threat of the doors and Gaea hanging over their backs, and Leo was over the moon that Percy and Annabeth were out of Tartarus. So, why was it that he felt so miserable?

"Maybe because you're still the seventh wheel." A nasty voice whispered in his head.

"Shut up," Leo growled at it.

But the voice kept at it. "Look at you. A 'hero'. I thought heroes were supposed to be looked up to and admired. I thought heroes had friends."

"I have friends!" Leo protested, but the voice wasn't done.

"Your so called 'friends' haven't even talked to you since you've gotten back. Heck, this is supposed to be your party too, and you've been stuck like a loner in the corner the entire time! You're pathetic. You're not good at anything except running away like a scaredy cat. I bet you're 'friends' can't wait for you to run, so they're rid of you."

This time Leo didn't say anything. It just struck to close to home.

"Don't like that do you? Well, just go ask them. You'll see how true it is."

"Fine," Leo growled, "I will."

Marching at of the corner towards the rest of the party, Leo looked around for a familiar face. It was not long before he saw Jason and Piper sitting on a bench together. Jason had his arm around her waist, and they seemed to be whispering together.

"Hey guys," Leo nervously approached them. "Just thought I'd say hi and see how you were doing."

"Umm… okay I guess." Jason was distracted by Piper's eyes, which were in the midst of changing in a kaleidoscope show, from brown to blue to green."

"If you don't mind, I'll just sit with you guys for a while," Leo said.

Piper looked up. She had so been looking forward to some alone time with Jason.

"Well we're actually kind of busy right now," she said, although somewhat sharper than she had intended.

"Yeah," Jason added, "Why don't you find someone else to hang out with." He had said it so Leo wouldn't have to bear witness to their make-out session, and still not be alone, but he had to admit that it would be nice if Leo could just kind of disappear right now, so he'd have some time to make a move with Piper.

"Oh," said Leo, "I understand." He got off the bench quickly and hurried away. Piper and Jason both decided that they'd hunt him down later to apologize, but right now the time was theirs.

In the meantime, Leo had caught sight of Frank and Hazel. He saw them look in his direction when it appeared he wasn't looking, so he walked over to see if he had a sign taped to his back or something. When he did get there, both Hazel and Frank didn't see him, and just kept on talking. With a look back at where Leo had been standing, Hazel resumed her conversation.

"I mean, he's just so annoying. And I mean, it's not like he's even funny or cute or anything. And no one likes him, he's always just hanging around like a third wheel," Hazel said.

"I know," Frank agreed. "He doesn't really know how to socialize. He's kind of a freak."

Leo, having heard enough, hurried away, even as Hazel continued.

"Yeah, I guess no one really likes Octavian."

Leo had just found Annabeth and Percy. Annabeth was leaned against a tree, with Percy kissing her.

"Oh, ummm… this is ackward," Leo stated. Annabeth and Percy sprang apart like guilty teenagers.

"Leo! What are you doing here!" Annabeth exclaimed, more than embarrassed.

"Yeah Leo, I thought you were enjoying the party," Percy said, also turning bright red.

"Umm… Leo maybe you'd like more punch," Annabeth said in an attempt to get him to leave.

Leo not realizing the ploy said, "That's okay, I just got some."

"Then you have to go to the bathroom," Annabeth said.

"Umm… no I don't."

"Then maybe you should check up on Festus."

"I already did." Leo wasn't quite getting the hint, and thought Annabeth was just trying to be helpful. Annabeth herself was now fuming.

"Leo! Would it kill you to just leave?!" Annabeth was beyond exasperated.

"Umm… yeah Leo," Percy said with a look at Annabeth, "I think it'd be better if you just left."

Once Leo was gone, Percy turned to Annabeth. "I didn't mean to be that hard on him," she shrugged.

"That's okay, babe," Percy said. "We'll apologize later."

None of them realized though, that there would be no later. Leo was already gone.